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As I am always “flamed” on this when I reply with my point of view in other forums, can I just list what I understand in relation to the legalities of towed cars behind a-frames?
I know this has been discussed exhaustively and some do not want to see it again, ever, probably because they are towing cars with unbraked a-frames, or without red reflective triangles, or over their train weight limit etc. etc. I offer this to prospective new a-framers (the more the better) for info only and that is why it is posted in this forum, which may not necessarily attract the attention of all the old-timers who are bored with it and think nothing should ever be added or re-visited! I make no apology for posting it, take it or leave it but I welcome replies, good or bad.
VOSA have stated a-frames are legal provided they meet the lighting and braking regulations applicable to trailers, which is what the car is treated as, when towed.
Certain combinations meet these regulations and are therefore UK legal; others do not.
Trailer regulations state that a trailer of less than 750KG GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW) can be unbraked (i.e. the specific maximum weight authorised of a trailer including its load) NOT the often quoted unladen (“kerb”) weight. Only “car” I know of under this GVW is the French Axiam.
However, if brakes ARE fitted to a trailer they must be continuously or semi-continuously operable (cable over-run, hydraulic, pneumatic). There is a debate whether the deceleration sensing electrically operated American “Brake Buddy” system meets this “continuous” requirement. I personally do not see why it does not and this would allow people using un-braked a-frames to easily upgrade to braked outfit but it is expensive.
As all cars have brakes fitted it must be obvious (to Police, VOSA, anyone) that a-frames used to tow cars as trailers must be of the braked variety, irrespective of the gross weight of the car. A braked a-frame pulls on the car’s brake pedal via a cable operated by the over-run when the MH brakes (similar to a caravan). Some braked a-frames allow you to reverse without pulling the car brakes on, others do not.
Trailer regulations also state that red reflective triangles must be fitted to the rear and the registration plate displayed is the same as the towing vehicle. I attach my triangles magnetically and also an “ON TOW” sign. The existing car lighting works from the MH without the need of a board (through cable) and the rear number plate is changed on the car each towed trip.
The weight train limit of your towing vehicle must not be exceeded. This is found on a plate in your cab engine bay or on the driver’s/passenger’s door pillar (sometimes altered/uprated here by the convertor and if so, this is the definitive one). It is the largest figure and if you take away the GVW of your MH from this figure then that is the maximum GVW of the trailer (car) you can tow, e.g. in my case 4800KG minus 3500KG equals 1300KG so my Daihatsu Charade (kerbweight 740KG grossweight 1200KG) just comes under.
In other words, everything you have on other trailers/caravans should be replicated and is no more or less legal than they are when they take to the road with their fixed a-frames. There is no requirement for certificates of conformity, written “proof”, or anything else more than that is required or provided by caravan/trailer suppliers and manufacturers. Other EU states should accept British combinations for temporary importation as long as our regulations are met. I have towed for over 2 years in UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with no problems at all from officialdom but with intense interest and enthusiasm from the public. Check with your insurer that they are ok with pulling a car, I have it in writing from Safeguard I am covered. Go for it!
Regards,
Noel
Last edited by Noel on Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:49 pm; edited 5 times in total
Sums up all I know about it as well. I have been towing now for 6 years but not on the continent.
One thing that is perhaps missing is to check with the insurers of both the car and motorhome that you are covered for towing with an A-Frame.
peedee
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Noel
Many thanks for that - most informative. One thing I am unclear on (never having towed anything in my life). As I will soon be 70 I have a 'van under the 3500 limit. If I were to want to tow anything - does the combined total of vehicle and trailed item have to be under 3500?
TIA
Mike
Very informative and precise Noel. Nobody could find fault with that.
Mike. like Noel says it is your max train weight on your weight plate on the van that you need to look at. If your van has a weight of 3500 your max train weight will be 4000 something. Look for the largest number on your weight plate.
We don't have an A frame but will probably be getting one soon...
Questions!
.... Does the over-run cable have to be attached to the towed vehicle brake pedal each time the frame is attached, or is it connected at the front of the vehicle?
.... Are the connecting eyebolts(?) a permanent fixture, or are they easily removable?
.... When my box trailer goes for servicing the brakes are adjusted, and I have some evidence that i have taken reasonable steps to make sure the set up is safe...... is it easy to see that the brakes on the A-frame/Towed vehicle are going to operate? and do those of you that use the system already have the arrangement serviced/checked?
The box trailer is 2500kg Gross, and we have had it up to this weight behind the van and only know it is there when going up hill! We used to tow a 1500kg Burstner Caravan behind an Audi A8 (about 1800kg kerb weight) and that was scary at times!
I am not looking for an argument just a consensus:)
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Germany
John
